Fruit and vegetable juicer

ABSTRACT

A fruit and vegetable juicing device having a feed tube, a juice collector and a grating disc carrying a frusto-conical sieve, the grating disc having a first array of grating teeth, a secondary processing surface with a second array of grating teeth; each tooth having one leading edge and one trailing edge, wherein the juice collector has either an internal helical ramp with an elevated discharge nozzle or a circumferential trough having a lowest point that leads to a discharge nozzle.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention pertains to fruit and vegetable juicers and moreparticularly to improvements to a centrifugal type fruit and vegetablejuicer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A centrifugal fruit and vegetable juicer generally has a grating discthat is arranged horizontally. Food is urged against the grating disc bya pusher located in the feed tube of the juicer. The grating disc iscarried by an assembly that also includes a frusto-conical sieve. Thehorizontal surface of the grating disc forms a primary processingsurface. Juice and pulp are expelled from the horizontal grating discagainst the inclined sieve. Because the grating disc is horizontal andthe sieve is inclined, the bulk of the expelled pulp and juice impactsthe inner surface of the frusto-conical sieve at an angle that is notperpendicular. Further, the area of the grating disc directly below orradially outward of the side walls of the feed tube is generally underutilized in the breakdown of the fruit into its constituent pulp andjuice components.

Because the grating disc is located close to the bottom of thefrusto-conical sieve, the ejected pulp and juice travel along theinclined interior surface of the sieve. During this process, therotation of the sieve causes juice to be expelled from the interior ofthe sieve through the sieve and into a juice collection chamber so thatit can be dispensed and eventually consumed. Because some of the pulp istoo large to pass through the openings in the sieve, it is expelled pastthe rim of the sieve. The rotating frusto-conical sieve induces orcreates an airflow that assists the movement of the ejected pulp into apulp collection chamber. However, the airflow generated by the rotatingdisc and sieve can create undesirable pressurization of the pulpcollection chamber. This over pressurization can cause uncollected juicethat is travelling with the pulp to be expelled from gaps associatedwith the pulp collection chamber, namely gaps between the pulpcollection chamber and the lid of the device.

The present technology as disclosed below, addresses these issues.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Described herein is a grating disc having a primary and a secondaryprocessing surface. The secondary processing surface is angled withrespect to the primary surface and is preferably a grating surface.

Also described herein is a combination of grating disc and throttlechannel that acts to prolong the time that foods are in contact with theteeth on the grating disc.

Also described herein is a combination of grating disc with a secondaryprocessing surface that increases the number of teeth that food is incontact with before being ejected from the grating disc.

Also described herein is a combination of grating disc and throttlechannel that allows food to contact teeth on the grating disc more timesthan in conventional arrangements.

Some embodiments of the invention provide greater proximity or increasedcontact time or increased contact frequency between food stuffs and theteeth on a grating disc in a centrifugal fruit and vegetable juicer.

In some embodiments of the technology, the secondary processing surfaceis frusto-conical and the primary processing surface is flat.

In some embodiments of the invention, a lowest interior surface of thefeed tube cooperates with the secondary processing surface to form athrottle channel.

In other embodiments of the technology, the secondary processing surfacecontains cutting teeth of the kind associated with the primaryprocessing surface.

In yet further embodiments of the technology, the secondary processingsurface does not include cutting teeth or grinding elements.

In selected embodiments of the technology, a lid or lid portionassociated with the pulp collection chamber is provided with a snorkelor central vent.

In further selected embodiments, the snorkel or vent is provided with alid. The lid may cooperate with the snorkel or vent to form a tortuouspath or baffle.

In some selected embodiments of the technology, the snorkel or ventcomprises a tube that descends from the lid. In some selectedembodiments, the cross-section of the vent or snorkel is shaped tominimize resistance to airflow originating from outside the pulpcollection chamber.

Accordingly, there is provided a combination of grating disc having bothprimary and secondary processing surfaces and a feed tube having a loweredge surface that cooperates with the secondary processing surface toform a throttle channel.

There is also provided a lid having a lid portion that covers the pulpcollection chamber of a centrifugal juicer. The lid portion contains aninternal and upwardly directed vent tube.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

In order that the invention be better understood, reference is now madeto the following drawing figures in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-section of a centrifugal juicer.

FIG. 2 is a partial schematic cross-sectional view of a grating discwith secondary processing surface, throttling surface and throttlechannel.

FIG. 3 is a partial schematic cross-sectional view of a grating discwith secondary processing surface, throttling surface and throttlechannel.

FIG. 4 is a partial schematic cross-sectional view of a grating discwith secondary processing surface, throttling surface and throttlechannel.

FIG. 5 is a partial schematic cross-sectional view of a grating discwith secondary processing surface, throttling surface and throttlechannel.

FIG. 6 is a partial schematic cross-sectional view of a grating discwith secondary processing surface, throttling surface and throttlechannel.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a grating disc and sieve in accordancewith the teachings of the present technology.

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of another embodiment of a grating disc andsieve assembly.

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of another embodiment of a grating disc andsieve assembly.

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of another embodiment of a grating disc andsieve assembly.

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of another embodiment of a grating disc andsieve assembly.

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of another embodiment of a grating disc andsieve assembly.

FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a centrifugal juicerhaving a snorkel or vent above the pulp collection chamber.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view, partially cross-sectioned of a lid for acentrifugal juicer having a vent and vent cap.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a centrifugal juicer lid having avent and vent cap located above the pulp collection chamber.

FIG. 16 is a top plan view of a centrifugal juicer having, a pulpcollection chamber.

FIG. 17 is a schematic cross-section showing a grating disc andthrottling surface.

FIG. 18 is a schematic cross-section illustrating a tapered throttlingchannel.

FIG. 19 is a schematic cross-section of a grating disc and throttlingsurface forming an upwardly directed throttling channel.

FIG. 20 is a schematic cross-section illustrating an upwardly directedand tapered throttling channel.

FIG. 21 is a schematic cross-section illustrating an upwardly directedthrottling channel and inverted sieve arrangement.

FIG. 22 is a schematic cross-section illustrating an inverted sieve typegrating disc assembly having an upwardly directed and tapered throttlingchannel.

FIG. 23 is a schematic cross-section illustrating a flat and co-planersecondary processing surface used in conjunction with an inverted sieve.

FIG. 24 is a schematic cross-section illustrating a flat and co-planersecondary processing surface forming a tapered throttling channel usedwith an inverted sieve.

FIG. 25 is a schematic cross-section illustrating a flat and co-planersecondary processing surface and horizontally directed throttlingchannel.

FIG. 26 is a schematic cross-section illustrating a tapered throttlingchannel and flat secondary processing surface.

FIG. 27 is an inverted perspective view of a feed tube illustrating acastellated lower end.

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view through a feed tube and grating discwere the lower end of the feed tube is castellated and received by acastellated ring that is carried by the grating disc.

FIG. 29 is an inverted perspective view of a feed tube illustrating acastellated lower end.

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view through a feed tube and grating discwhere the lower end of the feed tube is castellated and received by acastellated ring that is carried by the grating disc.

FIG. 31(a) is a first example of a castellation shape.

FIG. 31(b) is a second example of castellation shape.

FIG. 31(c) is a third example of a castellation shape.

FIG. 32 is an underside perspective of a feed tube having an array ofshearing slots.

FIG. 33 is a side elevation, cross-sectioned to illustrate a gratingdisc having a slotted shear ring.

FIG. 34 is a cross-section illustrating a slotted feed tube nestedwithin a slotted shear ring.

FIG. 35 is a cross-section of a grating disc and inverted sieveassembly.

FIG. 36 is a cross-section of a grating disc and inverted sieve assemblyhaving a castellated ring in conjunction with a castellated lower end ofa feed tube.

FIG. 37 is a cross-section illustrating an inverted sieve arrangement inconjunction with an elevated spout.

FIG. 38 is a cross-section illustrating an inverted sieve arrangement inconjunction with an elevated spout.

FIG. 39 is a cross-section of a conventional frusto-conical filter sieveand grating disc assembly used in conjunction with an elevated spout.

FIG. 40 is a side elevation of a tooth on a grating disc.

FIG. 41 is a three quarter side view of a tooth on a grating disc.

FIG. 42(a) is a top plan view of a conventional tooth on a grating disc.

FIG. 43(b) is a top plan view of a tooth on a grating disc that isangled with respect to the radius of a grating disc.

FIG. 43 is a top plan view of a grating disc having teeth that areorientated radially inwardly.

FIG. 44 is a top plan view of a grating disc having teeth that areoriented radially inward.

FIG. 45 is a cross sectional view of a fruit and vegetable juicer havingan inverted sieve an elevated nozzle.

FIG. 46 is a perspective view of a juice collector with an internalhelical ramp.

FIG. 47 is a side elevation of the juice collector depicted in FIG. 46.

FIG. 48 is a perspective view of a juice collector with a thickened sidewall near the discharge nozzle.

FIG. 49 is a cross sectional view of the juice collector shown in FIG.48.

FIG. 50 is a top plan view of a juice collector having a tangentialdischarge nozzle.

FIG. 51 is a perspective view of the juice collector shown in FIG. 50.

FIG. 52 is a perspective view of a juice collector having a dischargenozzle with a tangential inlet, and radially oriented discharge opening.

FIG. 53 is a perspective view of a juice collector with a tapereddischarge nozzle.

FIG. 54 is a perspective view of a juice collector with an ovoid andtangential discharge nozzle.

FIG. 55 is a top plan view of a juice collector having an internalhelical ramp and tangential discharge nozzle.

FIG. 56 is a cross sectional view of a centrifugal fruit and vegetablejuicing having an auxiliary nozzle.

FIG. 57 is a perspective view of the auxiliary nozzle shown in FIG. 56.

DETAILS DESCRIPTION

As shown in FIG. 1, a centrifugal fruit and vegetable juicer comprises avertical feed tube 100 within which is located a pusher 101. The workingparts of the juicer are contained in a body. Pulp ejected from the bodyis collected in a separate and removable pulp collection chamber 112.Fruits or vegetables are introduced into the feed tube 100 and urgedagainst a rotating grating disc 102 by the removable pusher 101. Aninternal anti-rotation blade or fin 103 may be located within the feedtube as is known from ample prior art examples. The feed tube 101 has aslot for accommodating the blade or fin 103. Extracted juice isdischarged onto the side walls of, and into a juice collection chamber140 that surrounds the disc 102.

The grating disc 102 is part of a removable assembly that includes abase 104 with coupling features and a frusto-conical sieve 105. As willbe explained, the sieve may be orientated in two different ways. Thebase 104 is removably received by a cooperating drive coupling portion106 that is driven by an electric motor 107. The motor 107 is controlledby a controller 108 or microprocessor control unit, or the like. Thecontroller 108 receives instructions from user operated controls 119,and cooperated with a graphic display 121.

The frusto-conical sieve 105 separates the juice collection chamber fromthe headspace 110 contained under the juicer's lid 111. Accordingly, helid 111 assists in the diversion of the pulp expelled by the sieve 105into the pulp collection chamber 112. As pulp is thrown upwardly andoutwardly by the rotating sieve 105, the airflow generated by therotating sieve and the shape of the lid 111 drive the expelled pulp intothe pulp collection chamber 112. As will be explained, a portion 113 ofthe lid 111 that overlies the top of the pulp collection chamber 112 isprovided with a vertically oriented and internal tube, vent or snorkel114.

In the example of FIG. 1, the juicer's lid 111 also includes an internalfrusto-conical wall 130 that surrounds the lower end of the feed tube100. The lid's frusto-conical wall 130 lies within the sieve 105 butdoes not contact the sieve 105. The frusto-conical wall 130 is generallyconcentric with the sieve 105 and spaced apart from it so as to create afrusto-conical gap 131. The gap 131 serves to retain for a longer time,the juice and pulp products ejected from the grating disc 102, and thuslimit them from entering the headspace 110, except via the toroidalopening 132 formed at the upper margin of the sieve 105, and defined bythe inner surface of the sieve 105 and the outer surface of the lid'sfrusto-conical wall 130. In some embodiments, the lower edge 133 of thelid's frusto-conical wall 130 is joined to the lower end of the feedtube 100. An upper extent of the lid's frusto-conical wall 130 joins acylindrical wall portion 134. The upper part of the cylindrical wall 134joins an upper surface 135 of the lid. The manner in which the lid'sfrusto-conical wall 130 is joined to the lid or the feed tube is not anessential aspect of the technology so long as the wall 130 is locatedwithin the sieve 105 and sufficiently spaced away from it.

As shown in FIG. 2, a grating disc 102 has a primary processing surface201. The primary processing surface is generally circular and flat. Thesurface is provided with an array of sharp cutting teeth 202 as is wellknown in this art. A grating disc, in accordance with the presenttechnology, further comprises a secondary processing, cutting or gratingsurface 203. The primary cutting surface 201 has an effective radius 204that is about the same as the inner radius of the feed tube 100. Thesecondary processing surface 203 lies radially outward of the primaryprocessing surface 201. The secondary processing surface 203 may betoothless but optionally has, on its upper surface, a second array 205of grating teeth. In some embodiments, the secondary processing surface203 is angled downward from the horizontal primary processing surface toforma frusto-conical or chamfered secondary processing surface. In someembodiments, the angle formed by the secondary processing surface issuch that in a radial direction (as shown in FIG. 2) it is perpendicularor near perpendicular to the filter or sieve 105.

In a conventional juicer, juice and pulp are expelled from the gapbetween the grating disc and the feed tube in a generally horizontaldirection 201. In order to better optimize the juice extraction process,the secondary processing surface 203 is combined with a throttlingsurface 206 to form a throttle channel 207. The throttle channel 207 haspotentially several beneficial effects in the juicing process. It canact to retain juice and foods in contact with the grating disc for alonger interval of time. It can also act to bring food stuffs intocontact with the teeth on the grating disc more times or with greaterfrequency. Both the secondary processing surface and the throttlechannel promote longer and more intimate contact between foods and theteeth on the grating disc. The throttle channel also has potential toredirect the stream of food particles and juice that are ejected fromthe grating disc 102. The throttling surface 206 is frusto-conical andin some embodiments generally parallel with the secondary processingsurface 203 (along a given radius). Working together, the secondaryprocessing surface 203 and throttling surface 206 create thefrusto-conical throttle channel 207 that directs pulp and juice in adirection 208 that may be generally perpendicular to the sieve 105. Byhaving the ejected pulp and juice directed perpendicularly to the sieve105 work to potentially increase the efficiency of the juice extractionprocess by better utilizing the kinetic energy of the expelled pulp andjuice. When directed perpendicularly or close to perpendicularly, morekinetic energy is potentially available to drive the juice through thesieve 105 into the collection chamber. The throttle channel can alsohave a beneficial impact on the velocity of the ejected material, itstime in contact with the grating teeth and other flow characteristics.

In the example of FIG. 2, the throttling surface 206 is formed on anunderside of a separately formed ring 218 that is attached to the outerside wall of the feed tube 100. It will be understood that thethrottling surface 206 can be formed integrally with the lower extent ofthe feed tube 100. Examples of throttling surface construction are shownin FIGS. 3-6.

As shown in FIG. 3, the throttling surface 206 is integral with thelower end of the feed tube 100 and extends above some of or the entiretyof the secondary processing surface 203. In this example, the throttlingsurface 206 forms the underside of a flange or extension 301 thatextends radially outward and down from the outer surface 302 of the feedtube 100.

As shown in FIG. 4, where the feed tube 100 is thick enough at its lowerend, the throttling surface 206 can be formed by chamfering the lowermost end surface of the feed tube 100. When the feed tube 100 is thickenough, a flange or extension 301 is not required.

As shown in FIG. 5, the lower most and outer rim 501 of the feed tubemay be chamfered. This has the effect of potentially shortening theeffective length of the throttling surface 206. However, additionalclearance can thus be provided between the lower extremity of the feedtube 100 and the sieve 105.

As shown in FIG. 6, the cooperation between the secondary processingsurface 203 and the throttling surface 206 creates a thin,frusto-conical throttle channel or passageway 601 that leads from theprimary processing surface 201 to the sieve 105. As previouslysuggested, this channel directs pulp and juice 602 toward the sieve 105in a direction that may be generally perpendicular to the sieve 603. Inaddition, and because the channel or passageway 601 is narrow andpartially occluded by the teeth 604 in the passageway, the rate of flowof the pulp and juice 602 may be slowed, turbulated or throttled. Thisallows the teeth 604 and the passageway to have more time in which toact on or process the pulp that is in the passageway prior to itsejection from the passageway 601.

As shown in FIG. 7, the primary surface 102 is generally circular andflat. The central portion of the primary processing surface 102comprises a pair of coring knives or blades 701. In this example, thesharpened teeth 202 on the primary processing surface 102 are formed inan array comprising 12 individual rows 702. Each row 702 terminates ator close to the outside diameter 703 of the primary processing surface102. The secondary processing surface lies radially outward of thenominal diameter 703 of the primary processing surface 102. Thesecondary processing surface 203 is angled downward and comprises asecond array of grating teeth 604. In this example, the second arraycomprises twelve 12 rows of teeth 604. Each row in this examplecomprises three teeth. Each row 704 is angularly offset from one of therows 702 in the first array. The innermost tooth 705 in a row 704 isadjacent to the outer diameter 703 of the primary processing surface102. The outermost tooth 706 in a row 704 is adjacent to the outerdiameter of the secondary processing surface 203 and therefore adjacentto or closer to the sieve 105.

As shown in FIG. 8 the secondary processing surface 203 need not haveany teeth or grating or other features. Working in combination with thethrottling surfaces of the kinds disclosed with references to FIGS. 2-6,the secondary processing surface 203 finds utility in the redirectionand optimal slowing of the stream of juice and pulp exiting he primaryprocessing surface 102.

As shown in FIG. 9 the teeth 901 on the secondary processing surface 203can be arranged in equally spaced rows. The teeth 901 in each row fallalong a common radius. In this example, the number of rows of teeth onthe secondary processing surface 203 are the same as the number of rowsof teeth on the primary processing surface 201.

As shown in FIG. 10, the rows of teeth 1000 on the secondary processingsurface 203 may be co-linear or nearly co-linear with the rows of teeth1001 on the primary processing surface 201.

As shown in FIG. 11, teeth 1101 on the secondary processing surface 203may be arranged in rows 1102 that are staggered or angled with respectto a radius of the primary processing surface 201. In this example thereare more angled rows 1102 than there are linear rows of teeth on theprimary processing surface 201.

In the example of FIG. 12, there are three rows 1200 of teeth on thesecondary processing surface 203 for every row of teeth on the primaryprocessing surface 201. In this example, the rows are oriented radiallywith respect to the center of the primary processing surface 201.

As shown in FIG. 13, a centrifugal fruit and vegetable juicer 1300 has atransparent polymer lid 1301 that, in this example, includes theintegral feed tube 1302. The lid 1301 covers the sieve 105 and the juicecollection chamber 109 and extends to also cover the pulp collectionchamber 112. The high speed rotation of the grating disc and sievecreate a flow of air under the lid 1301. Essentially, an airstream 1303is propelled by the action of the rotating sieve toward the pulpcollection chamber 112. This flow of air helps to direct the pulp towardand eventually into the pulp collection chamber 112. In this example,the lid 1301 includes an internal vent, chimney, tube or snorkel 1304.In this example, the vent 1304 is located above or approximately abovethe vertical center line 1305 of the pulp collection chamber 112. Thevent 1304 extends from the surface of the lid 1301 downward and towardthe floor 1306 of the pulp collection chamber 112. In this example, thevent 1304 is tubular, having a lower opening 1307 that is below thelevel of the upper rim 1308 of the sieve 105. Having the lower opening1307, lower than the rim 1308 of the sieve 105 reduces the prospect thatpulp can be blown into the vent 1304 and thereby expelled in theairstream 1309 that exits the vent 1304.

As shown in FIG. 14 the lid 1301 has an opening 1401 on its uppersurface that leads into the interior space of the vent 1304. Below theopening 1401 there is a circumferential shelf 1402 for receiving thelower rim 1403 of a vent cap 1404. The vent cap 1404 has an uppersurface 1405 that is preferably flush or only slightly above or belowthe level of the upper surface of the lid 1301. The upper surface 1405of the vent cap 1404 is supported by a peripheral rim, the lower edge ofwhich 1403 rests on the shelf 1402. In preferred embodiments, the ventcap 1404 further includes a plug 1406 that descends into the throat orinternal area 1407 of the vent. The plug 1406 may incorporate an arrayof vertical ribs 1408 that maintain a space or gap between the outsidesurface of the plug 1406 and the inside surface of the vent.

As shown in FIG. 15, airflow 1501 associated with the movement of thesieve 105 enters the head space 1502 above the pulp collection chamber112, and flows past the vent 1304. The airflow 1501 and the force ofgravity will tend to deposit pulp and juice into the pulp collectionchamber 112. Generally, only moving air 1503 will enter the loweropening 1307 of the vent 1304. However, some juice may be entrained inthe airflow and some of the smaller pulp particles may also be carriedby the airflow 1503 up and into the central passageway of the vent 1304.To prevent excessive escape of juice and pulp from the vent 1304, thevent cap can work with the vent to form a tortuous path or baffle. Inthis example, airflow upward through the vent 1504 passes along thevertical ribs 1408 and in the gap between the plug 1304 and the innerwall of the throat 1407. The upward flow 1504 impinges on an underside1505 of the vent cap's upper surface 1506. The circumferential groovebetween the cap's rim, 1508 and the exterior of the plug bends anddiverts the airflow past the lower rim 1509 of the rim 1508 whereby itcan escape in the gap 1510 located between the rim 1508 and the openingin the lid 1401, 1510 that receives it. The vent plug may have apull-ring 1511, handle or knob for assisting in the removing of the ventcap from the vent.

As shown in FIG. 16, the location and cross-sectional shape of the lid'svent 1601 may be optimized in relation to the airflow 1602 beingdelivered from the area surrounding the rotating sieve 105. In theexample of FIG. 16, the vent 1601 is located on the lid 1603, centrallyof the pulp collection chamber 1604 but in a way that it does notexcessively obstruct the bulk of the airflow 1602. Further, the surfaceof the vent 1605 facing the airflow 1602 is preferably minimized andthus smaller than the surface 1606 facing away from the airflow 1602. Assuggested by FIG. 16, the vent can be seen, in cross-section as having amajor transverse axis 1607. In this embodiment, the axis 1607 isoriented so that it is generally parallel with airstream 1602 enteringthe pulp collection chamber.

As previously disclosed, the secondary processing surface may be flatand featureless or in the alternative, may be provided with gratingteeth, grinding features or other features to assist in the breakdownand transport of foods toward the sieve in the juicer. Further, thesecondary processing surface may be advantageously combined with athrottling surface to form a throttling channel. The throttling channelmay be used to lengthen the flow path between the primary processingsurface and the sieve and to change the direction, rate or other flowcharacteristics of foods after they are discharged from the primaryprocessing surface. Further examples are provided in FIGS. 17-26.

As shown in FIG. 17 a frusto-conical secondary processing surface 1701may be completely or partly lacking in grating teeth. In this example,the secondary processing surface of grating disc 1701 is combined with acooperating throttling surface 1702 that surrounds the lower end of thefeed tube 1703. The combination of secondary processing surface 1701 andthrottling surface 1702 form a frusto-conical throttling channel 1704that leads from the outer edge 1705 of the primary processing surface1706 to the frusto-conical sieve 1707. In this example, the sieve 1707is affixed to the grating disc and forms part of the grating discassembly 1708. Thus, foods 1709 exiting the throttling channel 1704 willimpact the sieve 1707 at a 90 degree angle, or in any event, moreperpendicularly than prior art juicers where foods exit the primaryprocessing surface 1706 horizontally. In this example, juice 1710 willpass through the sieve and pulp 1711 will travel upwardly and outwardly,eventually being ejected past the upper rim of the rotating sieve 1707.

As shown in FIG. 18, the frusto-conical surface of the secondaryprocessing surface 1801 need not be parallel with the frusto-conicalsurface of the throttling surface 1802. In the example of FIG. 18 thethrottling channel 1803 is tapered, having a wide entry adjacent to theouter edge 1804 of the primary processing surface 1805 and a narrowerexit or mouth 1806 adjacent to the sieve 1807.

As shown in FIG. 19, the throttling channel 1901 may have parallel sidewalls but directed upwardly. Thus, the exit 1902 of throttling channel1901 is higher than the entry 1903 of the throttling channel 1901. Inthis example, the secondary processing surface 1904 is inclined upwardlyand provided with grating teeth 1905. The throttling surface 1906surrounding the lower end of the feed tube is inclined upwardly at anangle that is generally parallel to the angle of the secondaryprocessing surface 1904.

In the example of FIG. 20, both the secondary processing surface 2001and the throttling surface 2002 are directed or angled upwardly withreference to the horizontal surface 2003 of the primary processingsurface. Although both the throttling surface 2002 and the secondaryprocessing surface 2001 are directed upwardly and away from thehorizontal, the throttling channel 2004 is tapered. Thus, the entry 2005to the throttling channel is wider than the exit 2006.

In some centrifugal juicers, the filter sieve is arranged so that ittapers from a smallest diameter at the top, to a widest diameter at thebottom. In juicers of this kind having an “inverted” sieve, pulp travelsdownwardly and outwardly along the interior surface of the sieve and isejected below the level of the grating disc. Juicers of this kind areexemplified by, for example, the Phillips HR1873 Juicer. The technologypreviously disclosed regarding the secondary processing surface,throttling surface and throttling channel are seen in FIGS. 21-24applied to this type of grating disc and sieve arrangement.

As shown in FIG. 21, an upwardly directed throttling channel 2100 isdirected approximately perpendicularly to a downward discharging sieve2101. As exemplified in FIG. 21, the inverted sieve 2101 has a smallerdiameter at its top 2102 and a larger diameter at its lower end 2103.The sieve 2101 is rigidly attached to the grating disc 2104 by a flangeor struts or the like 2105. In this example, the secondary processingsurface 2106 and the throttling surface 2107 are generally parallel anddirected upwardly at the sieve 2101. Optional grating teeth 2108 areprovided on the secondary processing surface 2106.

As shown in FIG. 22, an upwardly directed throttling channel 2201 may betapered. The upward inclination of the secondary processing surface 2202and throttling surface 2203 provide for a narrow exit 2204 and a widerentrance 2205 to the throttling channel 2201. The secondary processingsurface 2202 is shown as being provided with grating teeth 2206 but itwill be understood that the grating teeth 2206 are optional. Openings2207 may be formed through the struts or flanges that attach the sieve2208 to the grating disc 2104.

As shown in FIG. 23, the throttling channel 2300 may be directedhorizontally. In the example of FIG. 23, the secondary processingsurface 2301 is horizontal and co-planer with the primary processingsurface 2302. In this example, the throttling surface 2303 is generallyparallel with the secondary processing surface 2301. Thus, the foods2304 ejected from the exit 2305 of the throttling channel 2300 aredirected approximately horizontally toward the inverted sieve 2306.

In the example of FIG. 24, the secondary processing surface 2401 is flatand co-planer with the primary processing surface 2402 hut thethrottling surface 2403 is inclined downwardly forming a frusto-conicalsurface that surrounds the lower end of the feed tube 2404. This createsa tapered throttling channel 2405, the exit of the throttling channel2406 being narrower than the entry 2407.

Teachings relating to a flat secondary processing surface as shown inFIGS. 23 and 24 are applied to a conventional grating disc and sieve inFIGS. 25 and 26. As shown in FIG. 25, in the conventional arrangement,the frusto-conical sieve has its largest diameter 2501 at is upperextent. As shown therein, the secondary processing surface 2501 is flatand co-planer with the primary processing surface 2502. The throttlingsurface 2503 is generally parallel with the secondary processing surface2501. Thus, the throttling channel 2504 is horizontal and not tapered.In the example of FIG. 26, the throttling surface 2601 is inclineddownwardly to create a tapering in the throttling channel 2602. Becausethe throttling surface 2601 is inclined downwardly and the secondaryprocessing surface 2603 is flat, the resulting throttling channel 2602is tapered, having a narrower exit opening 2604 and a wider entry 2605.

As shown in FIGS. 27-31, the lower end 2700 of a feed tube 2701 maybeformed with an array of spaced apart gaps, referred to as castellations2702. In the example of FIG. 27, the castellations are undulating,comprising alternatively convex and concave regions 2703,2704. It ispreferred that the anti-rotation feature, knife or fin 2705 have itslower edge 2706 coincident with the lowest portion of a convex region ofthe circumferential castellations. This provides the maximum structuralsupport for the anti-rotation feature 2706 and allows it to be locatedas low as possible in the feed tube. As shown in FIG. 28, thecastellated region 2700 of the feed tube 2701 is received or nestedwithin a castellated shear ring 2801 that is integral with the gratingdisc and sieve assembly 2802. In preferred embodiments, the castellatedshear ring 2801 extends upwardly from the grating disc 2803 and is sizedto rotate freely, but closely adjacent (e.g. 1-1.5 mm) to thecastellated lower end of the feed tube 2700. As the grating disc andsieve assembly 2802 rotates, pulp and juice pass through thecastellations 2700, 2801 and are thereby further processed, sheared, ormacerated by the action of the rotating ring 2801 relative to thestationary castellations of the feed tube 2700. When the feed tube 2701,is in position on the juicer, the lowest portion of the castellations2702 is lower than the top 2804 of the castellated ring 2801.

As shown in FIGS. 29-31, the castellations 2901 may be square,rectangular or rectilinear, undulating or saw-toothed. As suggested byFIG. 30, the castellations at the bottom of the feed tube 3001 aresimilar in size and shape to the castellations on the rotatingcastellated ring 3002. An area on the grating disc 3003 may be devoid ofgrating teeth or other features to allow adequate vertical clearance forthe lower edge of the feed tube's castellations 2901, 3001.

As suggested by FIGS. 31(a), (b) and (c) the castellations may assume anumber of different shapes. In FIG. 31(a), the castellations form sawteeth 3101 having flattened tips 3102. The leading edge 3103 and thetrailing edge 3104 of an individual castellation may be formed atdifferent angles. As shown in FIG. 31(b) the castellations 3105 havesides 3106 of equal angle and length, and in this example have atruncated tip 3107 so as to form a truncated pyramidal shape. As shownin FIG. 31(c) each castellation has one side edge 3110 that is straightand generally parallel with the long axis of the feed tube and anotherside edge 3111 that is concave so as to form an alternative saw tootharrangement.

As shown in FIG. 32, an array of through openings or slots 3200 at thelower end of a feed tube 3201 may be used in the same manner as thecastellations previously described, for example, with reference to FIGS.27-31. In this example, the through openings 3200 are elongated, eachone having rounded upper and lower ends 3202, 3203. The otherwiseequally spaced array of openings 3200 may include an uninterrupted area3204 in the area of the anti-rotation fin 3205. The array of throughopenings 3200 may be used in conjunction with a castellated ring or aperforated ring 3300 as shown in FIG. 33. The perforated shear ring 3300comprises an upright cylindrical wall 3301 in which is formed an arrayof through openings 3302 that are similar in size and shape to thethrough openings in the lower end of the feed tube. In this example, thethrough openings 3302 are oblong, having parallel sides and rounded topand bottom edges 3303, 3304. In some embodiments, the angular spacingbetween the openings 3302 in the ring 3300 is the same as the spacingbetween the openings at the lower end of the feed tube 3200. Assuggested by FIG. 34, the lower end of the feed tube depicted in FIG. 32fits within the perforated ring 3300 depicted in FIG. 33. As previouslydiscussed, the rotation of the perforated ring 3300 relative to thestationery lower end of the feed tube creates a shearing action in thegap between the feed tube and the ring. It will be appreciated thatalthough the examples of FIGS. 32-34 depict an upright of conventionalfrusto-conical sieve 3305, the same arrangement may also be employedwith respect to an inverted frusto-conical sieve.

As shown in FIG. 35, an inverted frusto-conical sieve 3500 comprises atoroidal upper filter frame ring 3501 whose inner edge 3502 defines acircular opening for receiving the lower end of a feed tube. Theinverted sieve 3500 further comprises a bottom filter frame ring 3503having a rigidizing lip 3504. The perforated sieve 3505 extends betweenthe upper filter frame ring 3501 and the bottom filter frame ring 3503.The upper portion of the sieve 3505 and the upper filter frame ring 3501are elevated above and connected to the grating disc 3506 by acylindrical frame 3507 having optional upright struts 3508. Throughopenings 3509 between the struts 3508 allow juice and pulp to be ejectedtoward the sieve 3505.

As shown in FIG. 36, the lower end of a feed tube 3601 is admitted pastthe upper filter frame ring 3501. The castellations or slots 3602 at thelower end of the feed tube come to rest or are nested within thecastellated or slotted ring 3603 that is part of the grating disc andsieve assembly.

As suggested with reference to FIGS. 37 and 38, an invertedfrusto-conical sieve assembly 3700, with or without features such as thesecondary processing surface 3701, throttling channel 3702 or theaforementioned arrangement of castellated or slotted, rings 3801 may becombined, in a centrifugal juicer, with a juice collection chamber 3703having tapered or frusto-conical side walls 3704. In the examples ofFIGS. 37 and 38, the frusto-conical side wall 3704 of the juicecollection chamber 3703 form a circumferential trough 3705. A juicedischarge spout 3706 is formed at the upper extent of the frusto-conicalwall 3704 of the juice collection chamber 3703. Airflow within the juicecollection chamber 3701, induced h the rotation of the grating disc andsieve arrangement 3700 will act to drive the contents of the juicecollection chamber 3703 upward and along the frusto-conical wall 3704.Thus, juice reaching the upper edge 3707 of the frusto-conical outerwall 3704 of the juice collection chamber 3703 will enter into and bedispensed from the spout 3706. Utilizing the airflow within the juicecollection chamber 3703 to lift the juice against the force of gravityand into an elevated spout 3706 allows a taller collection vessel to belocated under the spout 3706. This may allow a greater volume of juicecollection than would otherwise be expected.

As shown in FIG. 39, a conventional frusto-conical sieve 3901 may alsobe combined with a juice collection chamber 3902 having a tapered orfrusto-conical side wall 3903 in accordance with the teachings provided,by way of FIGS. 37 and 38, a discharge spout 3904 is located adjacent tothe upper margin 3905 of the collection chambers side wall 3903, thusproviding an enhanced juice collection capacity. In the example of FIG.39, the spout 3904 is located at about the same level as the upper rim3906 of the frusto-conical sieve 3901.

As shown in FIGS. 40 and 41, the individual teeth 4000 on a grating disc4001 are formed by driving a tool 4002 into the upper surface 4003 ofthe disc 4001. Driving the tool into the disc has the effect of raisingthe tooth 4000. The tool 4002 also creates an indentation 4004 in thedisc. Part of the indentation 4005 forms a recess or concavity into thefront face 4006 of the tooth 4000. The indentation also forms a pocket4007 both below and in front of the front surface 4006 of the tooth. Asshown in FIG. 41, the front edge of the tooth 4000 comprises an outeredge 4009, an inner edge 4006 and the tooth's apex 4008 between them.

Each tooth has a longitudinal axis 4100 that passes through the tooth'sapex 4008. Conventionally the longitudinal, axis is tangential to thecircle of rotation of the tooth as shown in FIG. 42(a). However,beneficial results in terms of juicing efficiency and shedding ofunwanted food fibers etc. may be obtained by inclining or rotating thelongitudinal axis of the teeth to either side of the tangent. As shownin FIG. 42(b) the longitudinal axis 4100 has been rotated clockwise(looking down at the tooth). The tooth in FIG. 42(a) is consideredoutward facing, that is, the front recess of the tooth 4005 faces moretoward the outside edge of the disc than a conventional tangentialoriented tooth. Inward facing teeth are depicted. In FIG. 43, thelongitudinal axis being inclined so that front recesses face therotational center of the disc more than conventional tangentiallyoriented teeth.

In the conventional orientation, the inner and outer edges contact thefood being juiced at approximately the same time. For an outward facingtooth, the inner edge 4006 will make contact slightly before the outeredge 4009. Thus the inner edge is considered the leading edge in anoutward facing tooth and the outer edge is considered the tailing edgeof the tooth.

For an inward facing tooth the outer edge 4009 will make contact beforethe inner edge 4006. Thus the outer edge of an inward facing tooth isconsidered the leading edge and the inner edge is considered the tailingedge of the tooth.

As suggested by FIG. 43, the individual teeth 4300 on either or both ofthe primary or secondary processing surfaces 4301, 4302 may beorientated inwardly, that is, facing radially inward toward the centerof rotation of the grating disc 4304. It will be appreciated that theinward or outward reorientation of the teeth is best employed by havingall of the teeth on a grating disc 4304 similarly orientated. It willalso be appreciated that the inward or outward facing teeth may be usedin place of any or all of the teeth on any grating disc having teeth.The way individual teeth are formed is considered conventional otherthan in the way the teeth are oriented as to face either inward oroutward.

As shown in FIG. 44, a flat grating disc 4401 is provided with inwardfacing cutting teeth 4402. In this example, the teeth are arranged in 12primary linear and generally radial rows 4403. Each row extends from aninnermost tooth 4404 that is adjacent to the central coring knife 4405to an outer tooth 4406 that is adjacent to the perimeter 4407 of theupper surface of the disc. Also in this example, a pair of interstitialteeth 4408 is provided between adjacent primary rows 4402. The 12interstitial pairs are located adjacent to the aforementioned perimeter4407.

As shown in FIG. 45, a centrifugal juicer 4500 has to grating disc 4501that is affixed to and supports the upper rim 4502 of an invertedfrusto-conical sieve 4503. The sieve 4503 is surrounded by a stationaryjuice collection ring 4504. In this example, the juice collecting ring4504 comprises a generally cylindrical lower section 4505 and an upperor tapered portion 4506. The lowest edge 4507 of the juice collector isadjacent to the lowest edge 4508 of the sieve. A circumferential gap4509 between the sieve and the juice collector allows pulp to fall intothe interior 4510 of a pulp collection chamber 4511. Juice that isejected through the sieve is carried up the inclined walls of the upperportion 4506 owing to the velocity of the ejected juice together withthe movement of air induced by the rotation of the grating disc andsieve. Extracted juice is propelled over the upper edge 4512 of thejuice collector and then fails into a circumferential trough 4513 thatsurrounds the upper extremity of the juice collector. In this example,the trough 4513 has an inclined floor 4514 with the high point 4515 ofthe floor of the trough being diametrically opposite to the juicer'sdispending nozzle 4516. Thus, juice accumulating in the trough 4513 willflow toward and out of the nozzle 4516. In this example, the low pointof the interior of the nozzle 4517 is in alignment with the lowest part44518 of the trough. In this example, the juice collector andcircumferential trough are integrally formed. The lowest interiorsurface of the nozzle 4517 is located vertically above the grating discand is closer to the upper rim 4512 of the juice collector than thelower rim 4507.

As shown in FIG. 46, a juice collection chamber 4600 is howl shaped,having an elevated nozzle 4601 located adjacent to the upper rim 4602 ofthe chamber 4600. In this example, the juice collection chamber 4600 hasan internal vertical collar 4603 that defines a central opening 4604.The opening allows the grating disc located within the juice collectionchamber to be attached to the motor below the juice collection chamber.An area at the base of the neck 4605 defines an interior floor of thejuice collection chamber. A helical ramp 4606 extends from the floor4605 to the elevated nozzle 4601. The wall thickness of the juicecollector around the nozzle is thickened to allow the ramp 4606 to enterthe interior of the nozzle 4601 in a direction 4607 that is transverseor perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 4608 of the nozzle 4601. Thethickening of the walls presents an entry or backstop to the flow intothe nozzle in the form of an approximate half cylinder 4609 having alength corresponding approximately to the wall thickness 4610 in thearea of the nozzle 4608.

As suggested by FIG. 47, the effective radius of the ramp 4606 (measuredfrom the rotational center line of the grating disc 4701) maybeincreased by forming a bulge 4702 in the side wall of the juicecollector. Increasing the effective radius of the helical ramp 4606tends to slow the velocity of the juice down prior to it entering thenozzle 4601.

As suggested by FIGS. 48 and 49, a juice collector 4800 may have asidewall that is thickened in the area to either side of the elevated nozzle4801. In this example, providing a thickening in the side wall to eitherside 4802, 4803 of the elevated nozzle 4801 (4901 in FIG. 49) providesseveral advantages. First, it provides for a wider helical ramp 4804,particularly in the area of the nozzle 4801. Second, it provides for awider semi-cylindrical entry 4805 into the interior of the feed tube4801. Third, it locates the interior surface of the juice collector inthe area of the nozzle 4801 to be closer to the frusto-conical sieve4902 than other interior surfaces 4903 of the juice collector. Bylocating portions of the interior surface 4904 (that are close to thenozzle 4801) to be close to the outer surface of the sieve 4902,recirculation is limited. Juice will generally make only a single fullrotation of the interior of the juice collector after extraction beforeit is forced out of the nozzle by the helical ramp 4804. FIG. 49 alsoillustrates that the juice collector has an underside mounting ring 4905with one or more downward facing vertical projections 4906 thatfacilitate the installation of the juice collector into the juicer, asis well known in this art.

FIG. 50 illustrates a juice collector 5000 having an elevated andtangentially oriented spout 5001. In this example, the longitudinal axis5002 of the spout forms a tangent with a circle 5003 that describes apath or flow of the juice circulating within the juice collector. Thisprovides for an ovulate, elliptic or ovoid shaped entry opening 5004,having a larger total entry area than the radially extending spouts,shown for example, in FIGS. 1, 46 and 48. In preferred embodiments, thenozzle 5001 is downwardly inclined with reference to the horizontal andmore particularly the horizontal plane in which the rim 5101 of thejuice collector is contained. In this example, the nozzle is essentiallycylindrical although it may be tapered in either direction. It will beappreciated that the tangentially oriented nozzle 5001 shown in FIG. 50may have its longitudinal axis laterally offset 5005 and still beconsidered tangential with reference to the shape of the juice collectorand the flow of liquid within it.

As shown in FIG. 52, a juice collector 5200 may have a discharge nozzle5201 having an inlet 5202 and body portion 5203 that are tangential tothe flow direction and also have a bend 5204 that results in a radiallydirected discharge opening 5205. In this example, the nozzle terminatesin a circular discharge opening 5205 that is perpendicular to a radius5206 that extends towards the center of the juice collector.Accordingly, the nozzle has a tangential entry portion and a dischargeportion that is radial 5206. The nozzle 5203 is preferably inclineddownwardly for ease of dispensing.

As shown in FIG. 53, as juice collector 5300 has an elevated andtangential discharge nozzle 5301 that is tapered. The nozzle tapers froma maximum cross sectional area at its tangential inlet 5302 to a minimumcross sectional area at the discharge opening 5303. The tapering of thenozzle toward a smaller cross sectional area is thought to cause thepressure and turbulence in the discharged air flow to increase. Thismakes it relatively harder for air to escape, without excessivelydisrupting the discharge of liquid from the interior of the juicecollection chamber. This results in a juice with less foam while stillmaintaining high rates of juice extraction. In this example, thedischarge opening 5303 is circular, but it may take other shapes aswell.

In the example of FIG. 54, a juice collector 5400 has an elevated andtangential discharge nozzle 5401 that is ovoid or elliptical in crosssection and having an ovoid or elliptical discharge opening 5402. Inthis example, the shape of the discharge opening 5402 is essentiallyconstant in cross sectional area and a projection of the nozzle's intakeopening 5403 as seen along the longitudinal axis 5404 of the nozzle5401. The increased cross sectional area of the discharge opening 5402results in lower pressure within the nozzle, allowing juice to escapethe collector more easily.

As shown in FIG. 55, a juice collector 5500 may combine the features ofa tangentially oriented discharge nozzle 5501 with a helical ramp 5502of the kind disclosed with reference to FIGS. 46-49. In this example,the ramp 5502 extends from the floor or lowest part of the interior ofthe juice collector 5503 to the entry opening 5504 of the nozzle 5501.As such, juice travelling along the ramp 5502 will enter the nozzle 5501longitudinally rather than transversely as shown, for example, in FIGS.46 and 48.

As shown in FIGS. 56 and 57, a discharge nozzle 5600 may removably carryan auxiliary nozzle 5601. The auxiliary nozzle 5601 is preferably formedfrom an elastomeric polymer so that it can be affixed to and removedfrom the juice collector's nozzle 5600 without tools. Particularly wherethe exit velocity of extracted juice and air is high, the auxiliarynozzle 5601 acts to introduce turbulence in the air flow and slow theexit speed of the juice as well as altering its direction. As shown inFIG. 56, the auxiliary nozzle 5601 is generally “L” shaped, having adownwardly directed discharge opening 5602 ideal for filling a glass5603.

As shown in FIG. 57, the auxiliary nozzle 5601 comprises an inlet plugportion 5602 that is surrounded by an outer cuff 5603. A circumferentialgroove 5604 is thus formed between the collar 5603 and plug 5602. Inthis example, the outside wall of the groove 5605 is provided with anarray of longitudinal ribs 5606. The groove 5604 fits over the end of ajuice collectors' nozzle and the ribs 5606 provide additional purchaseand friction for the purpose of better retaining the auxiliary nozzleonto the juicer's primary nozzle 5600. In this example, the maximumcross sectional area of the intake plug 5602 is partially occluded by abaffle 5607. The baffle occupies approximately the upper half of themaximum available cross sectional opening of the plug, thus creating agenerally semi-circular lower opening 5608 through which juice can flowinto the auxiliary nozzle and out of the discharge opening 5609. Thechange in direction caused h the bend 5610 in the shape and flow path ofthe nozzle slows the exit speed of the juice. Reducing the surface areaof the intake opening with a baffle 5607 also slows the exit speed ofthe juice from the nozzle. In preferred embodiments, the longitudinalaxis 5611 of the lower part of the auxiliary nozzle is vertical and theexit opening 5609 is perpendicular to that axis 5611. This provides fora generally vertical discharge of juice. Vertical discharge isparticularly useful when as user is discharging extracted juice into aglass, cup or mug with an open top.

It will be appreciated that in previous examples of a juice collectorincorporating helical or spiral ramps that one or more grooves in theinterior surface of the juice collector may be used in place of a ramp.The interior surface of the juice collector may also be wholly orpartially coated with a non-stick surface such as a fluoro-polymer(PTFE) or silicone or a Sol-Gel coating if the juice collector ismetallic.

Although the invention has been described with reference to specificexamples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that theinvention may be embodied in many other forms.

As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinaladjectives “first”, “second”, “third”, etc., to describe a commonobject, merely indicate that different instances of like objects arebeing referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects sodescribed must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, inranking, or in any other manner.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “anembodiment” or “example” means that a particular feature, structure orcharacteristic described in connection with the embodiment is includedin at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearancesof the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an example” in various placesthroughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to thesame embodiment or example, but may. Furthermore, the particularfeatures, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitablemanner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art fromthis disclosure, in one or more embodiments.

Similarly it should be appreciated that in the above description ofexemplary embodiments of the invention, various features of theinvention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure,or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosureand aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventiveaspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted asreflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires morefeatures than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as thefollowing claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than allfeatures of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Any claimsfollowing the Detailed Description are hereby expressly incorporatedinto this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as aseparate embodiment of this invention.

Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some butnot other features included in other embodiments, combinations offeatures of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope ofthe invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood bythose in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of theclaimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be thepreferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art willrecognize that other and further modifications may be made theretowithout departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intendedto claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope ofthe invention.

While the present invention has been disclosed with reference toparticular details of construction, these should be understood as havingbeen provided by way of example and not as limitations to the scope orspirit of the invention.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A fruit and vegetable juicing device, thedevice having: a juice collection chamber having a circumferential sidewall; a feed tube communicating with the juice collection chamber; agrating disc located below the feed tube, and between the feed tube andthe juice collection chamber; a frusto-conical sieve located between thegrating disc and the juice collection chamber, the frusto-conical sievebeing arranged to taper from a smallest diameter at a lower rim to awidest diameter at an upper rim; and a juice discharge spout todischarge juice from the juice collection chamber, the juice dischargespout being located on the side wall adjacent the juice collectionchamber and vertically above the grating disc, such that in response torotation of the grating disc juice is forced through the sieve andagainst the sidewall to be directed upward and outward and into thejuice discharge spout.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein thecircumferential side wall is an upwardly and outwardly slopingfrusto-conical side wall, and wherein the juice discharge spout islocated adjacent an upper rim of the frusto-conical side wall.
 3. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the device further includes a pulp collectionchamber below the frusto-conical sieve, and wherein a circumferentialgap exists between the frusto-conical sieve and a lower section of theside wall to allow pulp to fall into the pulp collection chamber.
 4. Thedevice of claim 3, wherein the lower section of the side wallsurrounding the gap has a generally cylindrical section.
 5. The deviceof claim 4, wherein the trough has an inclined floor, with a high pointof the floor of the trough being diametrically opposite the juicedischarge spout.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein the juice dischargespout includes a circumferential trough surrounding an upper rim of theside wall.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein a lowest interior surfaceof the juice discharge spout is vertically located closer to an upperrim of the side wall than a lower rim.
 8. The device of claim 1, whereinthe grating disc is affixed to and supports the upper rim of thefrusto-conical sieve.
 9. The device of claim 1, wherein: the gratingdisc has a primary processing surface having an effective radius that isabout the same as an inner radius of the feed tube and a secondaryprocessing surface that is radially outward of the primary processingsurface; a lower end of the feed tube forms a throttling surface; andthe secondary processing surface and the throttling surface form athrottling channel.
 10. The device of claim 9, wherein the throttlingchannel is frusto-conical.
 11. The device of claim 10, wherein thethrottling channel is directed generally perpendicular to the sieve. 12.The device of claim 9, wherein the throttling surface extends radiallyoutward from an outer surface of the feed tube.
 13. The device of claim12, wherein the throttling surface extends both radially outward anddown.
 14. The device of claim 1, wherein the juice discharge spoutcomprises a radially oriented opening.
 15. The device of claim 1,wherein an interior surface of the juice collection chamber comprises atleast one ramp or groove to direct juice to the juice discharge spout.16. The device of claim 1, wherein the juice discharge spout is tapered.17. The device of claim 1, wherein a lower end of the feed tubecomprises an array of spaced apart gaps.
 18. The device of claim 1,wherein the juice collection chamber comprises an internal verticalcollar that defines an opening.
 19. The device of claim 18, wherein theopening allows the grating disc located within the juice collectionchamber to be attached a motor below the juice collection chamber. 20.The device of claim 1, wherein a longitudinal axis of the juicedischarge spout forms a tangent with a circle that describes a path orflow of the juice circulating within the juice collection chamber.
 21. Afruit and vegetable juicing device, the device having: a juicecollection chamber having a circumferential side wall, the side wallincluding a tapered potion tapering from a smaller diameter portionadjacent a lower end of the side wall to a larger diameter portionadjacent an upper rim of the side wall; a feed tube communicating withthe juice collection chamber; a grating disc located below the feedtube, and between the feed tube and the juice collection chamber; afrusto-conical sieve located between the grating disc and the juicecollection chamber, the frusto-conical sieve being arranged to taperfrom a smallest diameter at a lower rim to a widest diameter at an upperrim; and a juice discharge spout positioned to discharge juice from thejuice collection chamber, the juice discharge spout being located on theside wall adjacent the larger diameter portion of the side wall of thejuice collection chamber and vertically above the grating disc; whereinin response to rotation of the grating disc juice is forced through thesieve and against the tapered portion of the sidewall to be directedupward and outward and into the juice discharge spout.